Hello,
After hours of research, I found myself with more options than I started with so decided to walk in to 3 nearby electronic stores to get the scoop. I was in the market for a receiver and an outdoor speaker. I was just looking for something that would allow me to eventually build a 5-7 piece surround sound setup and also push sound to an outdoor speaker a few floors up. I have no HDMI needs for now, and don't see any in the near future.
Best Buy
Walked in and waited for someone to help. Waited...looked for help - couldn't find anyone - left.
Circuit City
Immediately met by a young fast talking guy that I later found out was on his second day. He had come from Ultimate Electronics next door and left because "he was laid off since he made too much money there." Anyway, nice enough guy. Told him what I was looking for and he walked directly to the Denon AVR678. I asked about the CC matching deal specifically asked if Ultimate Electronics carried Denon to see if I should price shop. I knew Best Buy didn't carry it. He said UE does not carry the Denon brand (upset now that I know he lied about it - not even sure why). After talking for a while, I was sold on the model.
I looked at outdoor speakers but everything looked huge. I only have a small rooftop patio and looking for something with decent sound but not too expensive.
Ultimate Electronics
Made my way over and was immediately met. I told him I was still shopping around even though I had already purchased the Denon at CC. I was walked to the "expensive audio room" and when I told him what I wanted, he suggested some $900 Denon (noticed they carried Denon right away after the last salesman's comment). I had to ask if they had any lower end models and he thought about it and then walked me into the "cheaper audio room" or audio room B as he called it. He showed me more Denon receivers.
I told him I would think about the receivers and did some listening to outdoor speakers. There was a cheapo brand for $50 a pair and then some Infinitys for $200 a pair. After listening, I went with the Infinitys.
Here is a run down of what I bought. Please let me know if I purchased too much for my needs, bought something crappy, or there is something else in the same price point you would recommend.
Purchased: Denon AVR687 - $399.99 - Circuit City
(Ultimate Electronics has the AVR1507 for $329.99 - Is this a better option for me?) It seems UE does not carry the AVR687.
Purchased: INFINITY Outrigger Jr. loudspeakers - $199 - Ultimate Electronics
(Circuit City has some POLKAUDIO Atrium Series Indoor/Outdoor Loudspeakers for $199 for the pair. Is this a better speaker for the same price)?
Also, I'm looking at the speakers and they seem pretty big. I'm planning to mount them above the door to my patio and would like something with a smaller profile. I know there are some that come as one solid unit that might be smaller. Any suggestions?)
Greatly appreciate any insight on all of this. I plan to set things up in a few days, so have time to return if I need to.
Thanks again
